Unlike last season, the Lakers are facing every possible difficulty in the current one. Last year, the star duo kept their fitness throughout the Orlando Bubble and they found comparatively easier teams on their way to glory. However, this year is an entirely different story with a 51-win Phoenix Suns meeting them in Round 1.

The Suns are blazing hot right now with DeAndre Ayton rising to the occasion like never before. Plus, with Chris Paul being his ‘prior to injury’ self, the team is getting scarier with an upcoming home-court advantage. So which side has better odds to shine in game 5?

Lakers vs Suns: Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Lake Show has two names on the injury list and both names are their backbone for their league-topping defense work. Anthony Davis, who strained his groin during the first half in Game 4, is a day-to-day decision. The chances are very slim that he’ll show up but Lakers fans have their fingers crossed. Next, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is questionable because of knee soreness. 

Probable starting five – AD/Kyle Kuzma (F), LeBron James (F), Andre Drummond (C), Dennis Schroder (G), and KCP/Wesley Matthews (G)

The Phoenix Suns still have Chris Paul (shoulder) on their injury list as a day-to-day decision but he’ll definitely play. Apart from him, they have small forward Abdel Nader, who played 24 regular-season games, out of the play.

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Potential starting lineup – Jae Crowder (F), Mikal Bridges (F), De’Andre Ayton (C), Devin Booker (G), and Chris Paul (G)

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Who will win?

The Suns now have a trio that has the consistency and camaraderie to force the Lakers to play their A-game. Devin Booker’s arsenal is full of offensive skills while Chris Paul is a playmaking genius with top-notch defensive abilities.

But the man that stands out is De’Andre Ayton, and he has been wreaking havoc lately. The 22-YO was impressive in the regular season, but he has been lethal in the postseason. The 6’11” center is a do-it-all in their squad, and Andre Drummond is arguably not even three-fourth of that (in this series). 

Even if AD shows up for restricted minutes, the Lakers will heavily depend on LeBron James. Now, for Bron to play freely and keep making those power dunks or smooth layups, Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell would have to up their ante. Also, Dennis Schroder would be responsible for the scoring part in AD’s absence with Kyle Kuzma adding a double-double. Mostly, it will be Lakers’ defense vs Suns’ offense and that’s a juicy tie.

We predict the Lakers to take his game with an under 5-point margin.

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